The Bassian Thrush is a secretive bird. Its plumage is mottled brown to olive-brown, heavily scalloped with black crescent-shaped bars on the back, rump and head. The paler underparts all have brown-black scalloping. It has a white eye-ring. In flight the Bassian Thrush shows a broad dark diagonal bar across the white underside of its wing. This species has also been referred to as White's Thrush, Ground Thrush, and Scaly Thrush.

Similar species:

The Bassian Thrush is very similar to the Russet-tailed Thrush, Z. heinei. The latter has slightly brighter rufous upper parts. The tail of the Bassian Thrush is slightly longer.

Where does it live?

Distribution:

The Bassian Thrush is found predominantly around the south-east of Australia, and also in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.

Habitat:

Damp, densely forested areas and gullies are favoured by the Bassian Thrush, usually with a thick canopy overhead and leaf-litter below.

Seasonal movements:

Resident, probably sedentary.

What does it do?

Feeding:

The Bassian Thrush feeds on the ground, scratching under the leaf-litter for small invertebrates.

Breeding:

The Bassian Thrush builds a large, deep, cup-shaped nest in a major tree fork or in a depression on top of a stump. The nest may be quite low or up to about 15 m above the ground. Both parents care for the young.

Living with us

The Bassian Thrush is adversely affected by clearing of densely vegetated habitats.